Toxic find in County Armagh

Over 14 tonnes of toxic waste was removed from farm buildings at the end of June after the discovery of a diesel laundering plant in Co Armagh.

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), assisted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, dismantled the plant, which was capable of producing nearly five million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading over £3 million in excise duty and VAT.

Pat Curtis, HMRC National Oils Co-ordinator, commented: “Every illegal laundering operation typically generates tonnes of toxic waste, which involves significant environmental and safety issues. As taxpayers and local ratepayers, not only are we missing out on the stolen tax going into the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean up and disposal costs.”

Mr Curtis highlighted to consumers and wholesalers that buying illicit fuel only services to fund crime and supports and encourages dangerous activities within communities. “The only winners are the criminals,” he said before urging anyone with information fuel misuse in their area to contact free telephone hotline on 0800 59 5000 and contribute to the fight against this type of criminality.

Pumps, tanks and equipment were removed from the site and a forensic investigation and enquiries into the illegal operation there are underway.